Justin urges people to join the bluegrass bandwagon

howing off intricate tattoos on both arms. “Guess what? The festivals we started playing are still thriving. The others have faded away.”Even if you have no plans to attend these popular acts, chances are you have already been exposed to bluegrass music and enjoyed it. Icons like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé have seamlessly integrated banjo sounds into their pop hits. Sierra Ferrell, a recent recipient of four Grammys, embraces the Appalachian sound in her music. The collaboration between rock legend Robert Plant and fiddler Alison Krauss brought new life to both their careers.It is entirely possible that the captivating tunes of these artists will pique your interest enough to explore more traditional bluegrass performers such as Béla Fleck, who is set to perform at the Dakota on March 24 and 25. This journey into the world of bluegrass can be an unexpected one, as experienced by Beck, who recalls his early exposure to Grateful Dead shows through his mother when he was just 15 years old.“I sort of followed the path of Jerry Garcia,” he reflected. “It was a natural progression to discover the roots of these songs, leading me to appreciate the influential works of Flatt and Scruggs and Bill Monroe. It was an unexpected but rewarding journey.”Those looking to embark on a journey into bluegrass music may find a great starting point with Della Mae, an all-female band hailing from Boston. Their upcoming performance at the Dakota on April 13 promises to be a showcase of female empowerment blended with infectious rhythms that entice audiences of all backgrounds.“There is a significant demographic of young women who may initially overlook bluegrass music but are excited to witness an all-female band take the stage,” shared lead singer Cecilia Woodsmith. Their music transcends typical themes of moonshine and murder, delving into poignant topics that resonate deeply with audiences. Woodsmith recounted a memorable performance of their song “Headlight” at the Dakota, where a group of women rose from their seats, waving napkins in solidarity during a powerful moment inspired by the #MeToo movement.“Each time we perform ‘Headlight,’ it evokes strong emotions in our listeners. While I cherish the impact of this song, it can be emotionally intense to perform every night,” she revealed.Additionally, traditional bluegrass festivals offer a blend of classic elements like square dancing alongside modern artists addressing contemporary issues. At the recent Minnesota Bluegrass Winter Weekend held in Plymouth, attendees experienced a mix of old-time jam sessions and engaging performances by artists such as the Roe Family Singers, who debuted a lively piece titled “Don’t Worry About the Rich Man” reflecting the concerns of the current economic climate. Furthermore, the festival featured the Grass Seeds Academy, a program nurturing under-17 musicians and offering them valuable mentorship opportunities. One standout student impressed audiences with a brilliant performance alongside Blue Groove Bluegrass after only two days of practice.The bluegrass community is evolving, embracing diversity and progressive ideas. While there is still work to be done in terms of inclusivity, efforts are being made to create more welcoming spaces within bluegrass events and festivals. Woodsmith highlighted the unique camaraderie and support within the bluegrass community, noting the tradition of offering musicians lodging in enthusiasts’ homes for extended stays.“The bluegrass community possesses a special essence that transcends music. It’s a community that fosters meaningful connections and I believe it’s this spirit that should be more widely embraced,” she emphasized.